Feeding San RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
In 2007, when Feeding San Diego opened its doors, they were met with a trial by fire. The organization's grand opening coincided with San Diego County’s massive wildfires when thousands of families had to evacuate, and nearly 100 homes burned down. “Disaster preparedness has always been a core part of our organization,” Feeding San Diego CEO, Vince Hall, said. “It’s been integral to what we’ve trained for and it’s always something we’re prepared for.” Feeding San Diego is the leading hunger- relief and food rescue organization in San Diego County and the only Feeding America affiliate in the region. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been a dramatic spike in need for food across the county, and Feeding San Diego has stepped up to the challenge.
“In the past, 1 in 8 people were facing hunger,” Hall said. “Now, we are seeing a 50 percent increase in hunger because so many San Diegans are unemployed. People don’t wear 'I’m hungry' on a T-shirt. They just struggle silently.” During normal times, 97 percent of the food Feeding San Diego distributes to the community is donated and they only have to purchase 20 to 25 truckloads of food each year. However, because of COVID-19, the nonprofit had to order 133 truckloads to support demand in March and April alone. While Feeding San Diego has conservatively estimated they have fed more than 600,000 people since the start of COVID-19 shelter- in-place orders, it is likely they will feed significantly more through the rest of 2020.
FEEDING SAN DIEGO FAST FACTS
LOCATION 300 local charities, schools, faith communities, meal sites and food pantries across San Diego County
FOUNDED
SPECIALTY
2007
Food donations to those in need
EMPLOYEES 58
18
IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 5 | 2020
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